What BestPlaces Users Say about Spokane
Spokane, Washington is a mid-sized city located in the eastern part of the state. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, vibrant arts and cultural scene, and affordable cost of living. In recent years, it has been experiencing significant growth and development, making it an attractive place for people to live. However, as with any city, there are mixed opinions about living in Spokane. Let's take a look at what some users have to say about their experiences living in this particular place.
Here are some excerpts from four different user reviews about living in Spokane:
1) "I've been living in Spokane for over 10 years now and I have to say, it's a great place to raise a family. The schools are good, the cost of living is affordable, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. The only downside is the traffic can get pretty bad during rush hour." - Emily W.
2) "I moved to Spokane for college and ended up staying because I fell in love with the city. There's always something going on, whether it's a music festival or a new restaurant opening. It's also a very bike-friendly city, which I appreciate. My only complaint would be the lack of diversity, but I hope that changes in the future." - Alex M.
3) "I've lived in Spokane my whole life and I have to say, it's gotten a lot better in recent years. The downtown area has really improved and there are more job opportunities now. However, there are still some areas that can be unsafe, so it's important to do your research before choosing a neighborhood to live in." - John B.
4) "I moved to Spokane from Seattle and I have to say, I love it here. It's much more affordable and the people are friendlier. Plus, you can't beat the outdoor recreation opportunities. My only complaint is that the winters can be brutal, but the summers make up for it." - Sarah K.
In summary, Spokane may not be for everyone, but it seems to be a popular choice for families, students, and those looking for a more affordable and laid-back lifestyle. While there are some challenges, such as traffic and safety concerns, overall the reviews are mostly positive and highlight the city's charm, community, and outdoor offerings.
based on 146 ReviewsGet to know Spokane with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Spokane
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The Beautiful Northwest at its Best - 10/15/2012
I read ALL of the comments about Spokane and had to write my own review of my beautiful city. Spokane has alot to offer--but even that is very subjective. It depends where you are in your journey,what you are looking for and why you want to be here.
I have lived in Spokane for 49 years--born, grew up, started off on my own, had my family, went to school, worked, stayed home, professional in emergency services and academia, a single parent, and now in grad school, an empty nester, looking for that "good career" in mid-life. I think I can offer a wide view of the area.
Spokane and its surrounding area's are BEAUTIFUL. Hot/warm summer, cool, brisk fall with beautiful foliage and canopied treed streets, cold winters, wet winters, mild-severe winters. Beautiful Spring. It's here. Over 76 lakes in the area, snow skiing and snow sports close by, hiking, camping--we are within 20 miles of the Idaho border for additional hunting, camping fishing, shooting, whatever
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Quality of Life - 10/11/2012
Spokane is a great place to live if you enjoy a small town feeling. It's impossible to get lost in Spokane. We have hot very dry summers and unpredictable but usually cold snowy winters. Good place if you enjoy 4 distinct seasons. Worst part of living in Spokane is there is little to do. Spokane is basically an island, surrounded by hundreds of miles of nothing until you come to the next substantial city,which is Seattle, making it difficult to drive out of town to an interesting city. Still it is a good place to raise a family if it's limitations are
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living in washington - 9/6/2012
have been in construction for over 20 years..the state is not very small business friendly...
high cost of employee liabilities...
high insurance labor and industries...
just tired of the high taxes
sales tax 8.7%
property 9-13.5%
L & I 3.85 an hour per employee
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Pro's and Con's of Spokane - 9/4/2012
I have lived on and off between Portland, OR, Seattle, WA and Spokane for my entire life. There are always up's and down's to every place, so I'll be to the point.
The Pro's:
If you don't plan on living in the city itself, there are lot's of great things about some suburb areas..
Good private school options. Homeschool friendly.
Great summers. A few days in the 90's, but mostly in the 80's.
Tons of lakes and mountains nearby. Good skiing in winter within an hr.
Great local produce from Green Bluff.
Very little rain. (I hate rain so I like this aspect.)
Some nice parks (Manito) and a river running through. (lots of people like to float down the Little Spokane in summer)
The Cons:
The city has a very high homeless rate. VERY HIGH. The reason is because Spokane has 4 hospitals for a city of only 200,000. They come here for medical/mental health care. They also bring their meth problems with them.
If you work in the
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Spokane - the death of a city - 7/31/2012
I moved to Spokane to work at a high tech startup - I write computer programs. In spokane I can live like a king on my income. The city has issues however, but since right now I am in my 20s and just saving money I dont really get involved with the things that concern some people that have kids and such (I actually laugh at all the issues I see - fortunately it is not my problem and I dont get involved). But from the eyes of a college grade in my 20s with a good job and I can report what I have seen here. What I can say is from my perspective Spokane is turning into a ghost city. I live downtown and I rode the bus home today, (spokane has great bus service) but when I got off the bus and walked 15 minutes home, I must have seen 4-5 drug deals going down. I dont fear the thugs that are taking over the city though. Just dont make eye contact and you will be okay. Also if they ask for something from you - dont look afraid, just hold your ground - most of the druggies are very
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Living in Spokane - 6/4/2012
Spokane is a large city but not too large. There's still the small town feel and mindset. We're the largest city between Seattle & Minneapolis MN yet still have 'culture'! Spokane's climate is mild yet wide. It does get hot but doesn't stay hot too long. Yes it can reach 100 for a couple days. It does snow how much depends on the year; and, it does get cold but not below zero like the midwest; which is fine with me. Single digits fine but not below zero. The people as a whole are friendly and neighborly. Job wise there is a ton of medical field jobs. Spokane is the Lilac City! Oh, and so many things to do during May: Bloomsday, several parades, and Hopfest in June!
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Think twice visit often before you decide this is - 2/1/2012
I was born in Spokane, and I raised my child in Spokane. I moved away 10 years ago, but visit my aging family there often. Spokane is virtually a ghost town compared to what it used to be, there are very few jobs, many of the homes are run down, lots of closed businesses, and if you have children and you want them exposed to culture... Spokane isn't the place to move. If you are ready to retire and have a sufficient income by all means come to Spokane, they have great lakes to fish from and home costs are low. I don't recommend it for families, one reason is because Spokane houses a prison right on the edge of the city. It houses sex offenders and some of of Spokane's neighborhoods have a high population of sex offenders living in them because when they are released they move to Spokane. I also find a lot of the teachers I have encountered there while my daughter attended school were not in my opinion very qualified to teach and I was actually discouraged by two public school
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SPOKANE HAS A CURUPT POLICE DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS - 12/19/2011
SPOKANE HAS MORE PER CAPITAL POLICE SHOOTING OF PEOPLE THAN ANY OTHER CITY IN WASHINGTON IF YOU COME ON VACATION YOU LEAVE ON PROBATION AND WILL COME BACK ON A VIOLATION.OR INSTEAD OF BEING JUDGED BY 12 YOU WILL BE CARYED BY 6. METH AND OTHER DRUG USE IS RAPID AND THE CRIME RATE IS OFF THE HOOK!! STAY AWAY!!!YEARS BACK EVEN THE CITY OFFICERS WAS INVOLVED IN DOING
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relocating to spokane? - 9/23/2011
im thinking about relokating to spokane wa, from sac, ca. and im looking for input and advice about sokane.. im a 33 yr. old single mom thats a massage therapist. all i can say about sacramento is that its going to hell in a hand basket. dont get me wrong im not disallusioned on the fact that this is the only bad place on earth i do understand that there are bad places everywhere, but my youngest brother lived in spokane and told me that it is a wonderful place to live and its cheap! so my question is... is it cheap? are there many massage places i can work? is it kid friendly? i dont mind rain or cold weather or kind people or even small towns. in fact i crave that environment! please if any one reads this im desparet for info! thank u
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